Working part time on a student visa: Canada, the UK and Australia

United Kingdom

• Degree level students at a university: usually 20 hours per week during term time
• Below degree level: usually 10 hours per week
• Full time during official vacation periods set by your university
• You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson, work as an entertainer, or take a permanent full time job
• Your hours limit is printed on your visa or shown in your eVisa record

Master's students should note that the period after your course ends but before your visa expires is generally treated as vacation, so full time work may be allowed then.

Australia

• Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
• Unlimited hours during official course breaks
• Work that is a registered part of your course (such as a placement) does not count
• You need a Tax File Number (TFN)

The fortnight is counted from Monday to Sunday over two weeks, so plan shifts carefully around the fortnightly limit rather than a weekly one.

General rules that apply everywhere

• Know your limit exactly. Check your visa document, not what friends say. Limits change, and they are different for different course levels.
• Keep records of your hours and payslips. If you have more than one job, total all of them.
• Volunteering may count as work if it replaces a paid role. Check before accepting.
• Freelance or gig work is restricted or prohibited on many student visas.
• Your studies come first. Low attendance or failing grades can affect your visa status.

Jobs that fit around studies

• On-campus roles: library, IT help desk, student ambassador, research assistant
• Hospitality and retail: flexible shifts but can be tiring during exams
• Tutoring and language teaching, including your native language
• Campus events and orientation work in September and February

A note from Japan

I study in Kyoto, where students need a separate permission to engage in activity other than that permitted to work, with a limit of 28 hours per week during term. I work 20 hours a week in a convenience store. It pays around 1,100 yen an hour and helped my Japanese more than any class. The same principle applies everywhere: get the correct permission first, then find work.

Budget realistically

Part-time work rarely covers all living costs in expensive cities. Most visa applications require proof that you can support yourself without working, and it is wise to plan your budget that way. Treat work income as a supplement for travel, savings and emergencies.

This guide is general information for planning. Rules and prices change, so always confirm with the official source before you apply or sign anything.